Reese Chapman back with Tennessee baseball as student assistant coach

Tennessee baseball has welcomed Reese Chapman back as a student assistant coach. The announcement was made by a team spokesperson on August 25. Chapman, a graduate student at UT, had used up his college eligibility after playing four years with the Vols in 2024. Despite not being drafted in 2026 or signing with any organization as an undrafted free agent, Chapman was eligible for a fifth year due to a court injunction granted on July 31 by U.S. District Court of Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney.

This injunction would allow all college athletes who graduated in 2022 to benefit from the NCAA's new eligibility model, which grants five years of eligibility starting this school year. However, the NCAA intervened and sought a stay in the case on August 21, which was later upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Consequently, Chapman will require a new injunction or temporary restraining order to play in the 2027 season. Chapman had been Tennessee's starting right fielder for the past two seasons. In 2026, he achieved a career-high .317 batting average with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs. He also contributed with 20 doubles, 31 walks, and seven stolen bases.